Big shout out to my new friend Tom Idle, author of an amazing purpose-driven book that has just hit the shelves in and around Kent!
Tom, in his own words, is a ‘sustainable business storyteller’ and helps businesses to get their purpose lead message across.
I had the pleasure of meeting him last week when he popped in to collect his printing from BISON – we really connected as had so much in common (kids, sustainability, power to the print …)
Titled ‘237 ideas for stuff to do and places to go in Kent with kids’ this beautifully printed book is his ‘side hustle’ that needs no explanation!
Being a father of two children myself (that love adventure) and now the proud owner of a copy, I was really keen to find out what motivated Tom to write the book, what challenges he faced, and how long it took.
So here it is, a transcript of my curiosity …
Why did you write it?
“It’s a book that has been percolating in my mind for the last 10 years. After working all week, it was my pleasure to spend time with my little boy. And I was always looking for new adventures – ideas for things to do and places to go, locally. I’m an absolute bibliophile, and I just wished there was a book like this 10 years ago. I would have found it so useful.”
What problem were you looking to solve/the motive?
“Parenting is a tough business. Toddlers, in particular, are so full of energy. And they need (and deserve) entertainment. But not in a way that will break the bank. So, I wanted to help parents everywhere – people like you and I – that need some inspiration, some hints and tips, some pointers to spending their time with the kids in a much better way. Forget soft play centres and the local swing park. I wanted to give parents some great ideas and a few secrets for finding those unique pockets of their home region that will give you a great experience. That’s what the book does.”
A little bit about the journey?
“It’s been a labour of love. It’s taken me 10 years because I’ve been writing the book in my spare time, stealing hours between the day job (telling stories about sustainable business).
Then, late last year, I realised that I didn’t have much more to do, and I committed to getting it finished and launching before Half Term this February.”
Challenges faced?
“Time (or lack of) has been my enemy. Developing ideas, researching, writing, designing, taking photos, working up sales strategies – it all takes so much time. And running a successful business, being part of a family of 5, spending time with the kids, and having fun – all of these compete with that, and rightly so.
It’s also been a major learning journey. From setting up websites that accept payments to striking deals with book distributors and working out discounts and profit margins, I have learned so much information in the last few months, and I’m becoming a better business person as a result.”
What does your son think about it?
“Dudley is 12 now, so he’s somewhat aloof. But he’s been so incredibly supportive and I know he’s very proud of what I’ve achieved. He’s been there from day one and been on the journey with me, The one thing I hope he has learned from it is that, if you put your mind to something, you can achieve anything – like having an idea for a book, writing it, and making sure it ends up on the shelves of your local Waterstones.”
Who’s selling it / where can I get a copy?
“It’s available from my website, www.little-legs.com, where you can also sign up to my weekly newsletter.
I’ve also struck deals with a number of fantastic local independent bookshops throughout Kent, including the Margate Bookshop, Book Bodega in Ramsgate and Store 104 in Rochester, who are all stocking it. It is also available from local branches of Waterstones and WHSmith across Kent.”
I will really enjoy my adventures in and around Kent with my son Harry and daughter Poppy ticking off the 237 recommended ideas – wishing you every success with this Tom, thank you.
Kindly,
Mark
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